Alopecia causes
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Scarring alopecia is caused by numerous dermatologic factors, including glabrous skin (non-hairy), and is very difficult to diagnose and manage. Non-scarring alopecia is characterized by the absence of visible inflammation of the skin involved.
Causes
Common Causes
A sudden physical or emotional stress may cause one-half to three-quarters of the hair throughout your scalp to shed (called Telogen effluvium). You will notice hair coming out in handfuls while you shampoo, comb, or run your hands through your hair. You may not notice this for weeks to months after the episode of stress. The hair shedding will decrease over 6 - 8 months.
Cause of this type of hair loss are:
- High fever or severe infection
- Childbirth
- Major surgery, major illness, sudden blood loss
- Severe emotional stress
- Crash diets, especially those that do not contain enough protein
- A number of medications, including retinoids, birth control pills, beta-blockers, certain antidepressants, NSAIDs (including ibuprofen) and calcium channel blockers
Other possible causes of hair loss, especially if it is in an unusual pattern, include:
- Alopecia areata -- bald patches that develop on the scalp, beard, and, possibly, eyebrows. Eyelashes may fall out as well.
- Anemia
- Autoimmune conditions such as lupus
- Burns
- Certain infectious diseases such as syphilis
- Excessive shampooing and blow-drying
- Hormone changes
- Thyroid diseases
- Nervous habits such as continual hair pulling or scalp rubbing
- Radiation therapy
- Tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp)
- Tumor of the ovary or adrenal glands
Causes by Organ System
Causes in Alphabetical Order